Who among the earliest rulers issued gold coinsa)Mauryasb)Satvahanasc)...
The correct answer is option (C). Kushanas were among the earliest rulers who issued gold coins. The main coins issued were gold, weighing 7.9 grams, and base metal issues of various weights between 12 g and 1.5 g. Little silver coinage was issued, but in later periods the gold used was debased with silver.
Who among the earliest rulers issued gold coinsa)Mauryasb)Satvahanasc)...
Kushanas
The Kushanas were among the earliest rulers who issued gold coins. They ruled over a vast empire in Central Asia and Northern India from the 1st to the 4th century AD. The Kushanas were known for their promotion of trade and commerce, as well as their adoption of Hellenistic culture.
Importance of Gold Coins
The Kushanas issued gold coins to facilitate trade and to establish their authority over their vast empire. These gold coins were not only a symbol of wealth and power but also served as a medium of exchange in their commercial transactions. The Kushanas were able to establish themselves as a dominant force in the region through the circulation of these gold coins.
Design and Inscriptions
The gold coins issued by the Kushanas were typically round in shape and featured various designs such as images of rulers, deities, and animals. Inscriptions on these coins were in Greek, Kharoshthi, and Brahmi scripts, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the Kushana empire.
Legacy
The issuance of gold coins by the Kushanas set a precedent for future rulers in India, such as the Gupta and Mughal empires, who also issued their own gold coins. The Kushana gold coins are not only valuable artifacts for historians and numismatists but also serve as a reminder of the economic and cultural achievements of this ancient civilization.